Lee Fish USA
Lee Fish USA is a B2B wholesale distributor of premium sashimi-grade seafood, importing 18 exclusive global brands (Ōra King Salmon, Calvisius Caviar, Glacier 51 Toothfish, and others) from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond to supply U.S. distributors serving upscale restaurants and retailers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersEl Segundo, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Lee Fish USA does
Lee Fish USA is a privately held wholesale importer and distributor of premium sashimi-grade seafood, established in 2001 as the North American marketing arm of Leigh Fisheries New Zealand and headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company represents an exclusive portfolio of 18 premium wild and farmed seafood brands sourced globally with a core focus on New Zealand and Australia, including Ōra King Salmon, Calvisius Caviar, Glacier 51 Toothfish, Fremantle Octopus, Jade Tiger Abalone, and Prodemar turbot. Products span nine categories: NZ wild ike jime fish, Japanese imports, tuna and pelagics, yellowtail, premium white fish, premium salmon, shellfish, caviar/roe, and octopus. The company applies the Japanese ike jime brain-spike processing method to extend shelf life and guarantee sashimi-grade freshness, with operations supported by a TSA bonded facility less than 5 miles from LAX that enables catch-to-customer logistics windows as short as 36 hours.
The business operates a B2B wholesale distribution model, selling exclusively to U.S. seafood distributors who in turn supply upscale restaurants, sushi bars, fine dining establishments, and premium retailers. Revenue is generated through transaction-based product sales with quote-based pricing tied to product type, origin, and volume; distributors must complete credit applications to establish accounts. Marketing and customer engagement run through a biweekly product spotlight newsletter, detailed brand pages on the company website, and annual participation in Seafood Expo North America. The company sources from remote fisheries and farms across New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and South America, emphasizing sustainability credentials (ASC, MSC, BRC, Friend of the Sea, Monterey Bay Aquarium Best Choice) and traceability as core differentiators against commodity seafood supply. The organization is small (11–50 employees) and remains under the strategic ownership of Lee Fisheries New Zealand, with founder Richard Adlem and current CEO Myles Bowker cited in leadership.
Lee Fish USA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lee Fish USA
- Legal name
- Lee Fish USA
- Website
- https://leefishusa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Lee Fish USA is a B2B wholesale distributor of premium sashimi-grade seafood, importing 18 exclusive global brands (Ōra King Salmon, Calvisius Caviar, Glacier 51 Toothfish, and others) from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond to supply U.S. distributors serving upscale restaurants and retailers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lee Fish USA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Premium Seafood Distribution
- NAICS
- Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products (5140)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seafood Wholesale (Fresh & Frozen) (AFAIADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sushi/Sashimi-Grade & Raw Ready-to-Serve Seafood (Including Poke) (AFANALAI), Live Seafood & Tank-Based Distribution Wholesale (AFAIADAI), Value-Added Seafood Packaging (MAP/Vacuum, Portion Packs, Private Label) (AFANADAM)
Keywords
Where Lee Fish USA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- El Segundo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Lee Fish USA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Wholesale Seafood Distribution: B2B wholesale distribution of premium sashimi-grade seafood to distributors throughout the US. Distributors supply upscale restaurants, sushi bars, fine dining establishments, and premium retailers. Revenue is generated through product sales with pricing based on product type, origin, and volume.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | B2B wholesale pricing for distributors |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Lee Fish USA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lee Fish USA is a B2B wholesale importer and distributor of premium sashimi-grade seafood, supplying distributors throughout the United States across nine product categories (NZ Wild Ike Jime Fish, Japanese Fish, Tuna & Other Pelagics, Yellowtail, Premium White Fish, Premium Salmon, Shellfish, Caviar/Roe, and Octopus). The company holds exclusive U.S. distribution rights for 18+ globally recognized farmed and wild-capture seafood brands, including Ora King Salmon, Calvisius Caviar, Fremantle Octopus, and Glacier 51 Toothfish. Revenue is generated through product sales on a quote-based, credit-approved basis to wholesale distributors who then supply high-end restaurants, sushi bars, and premium retailers.
Product overview
Lee Fish USA is an industry leader in sashimi-grade seafood distribution, established in 2001 as the North American marketing arm of Leigh Fisheries New Zealand. The company operates as a premium wholesale distributor of wild and farmed seafood, offering an extensive portfolio of 18+ global brands including Ōra King Salmon, Calvisius Caviar, Fremantle Octopus, Glacier 51 Toothfish, and numerous others. Products span across NZ Wild Ike Jime Fish, Japanese Fish, Tuna & Pelagics, Yellowtail, Premium White Fish, Premium Salmon, Shellfish, Caviar/Roe, and Octopus categories. The company is strategically located in El Segundo, CA, less than 5 miles from LAX, enabling rapid logistics from remote global fisheries to North American chefs and retailers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Lee Fish NZ: Pioneers of sustainable, quality focused wild-capture from the small fishing village of Leigh, New Zealand. Revered globally for its sustainability and magnificent quality.
- ŌRA KING SALMON
- REGAL SALMON
- HAKU HIRAMASA
- CALVISIUS CAVIAR
- FREMANTLE OCTOPUS
- BLUE REEF CORAL TROUT
- YARRA VALLEY CAVIAR
- OPAL BARRAMUNDI
- JADE TIGER ABALONE
- GLACIER 51 TOOTHFISH
- KEFALONIA SEA BASS
- AQUNA MURRAY COD
- PRODEMAR
- PETUNA
- FRASER ISLE KONA CRAB
- SKULL ISLAND
- FERGUSON AUSTRALIA
Products and services
- NZ Wild Ike Jime Fish Line-caught New Zealand dayboat fish brought aboard live and harvested by the Japanese ike jime brain-spiking method to ensure sashimi-grade quality and extended shelf life. Supplied to wholesale distributors for sashimi, sushi, crudo, and fine-dining menus across North America.
- Premium Salmon Program Elevated Salmon portfolio headlined by Ora King Salmon (the 'Wagyu of the Sea') and supplemented by Regal King Salmon and other premium farmed salmon brands, positioned to differentiate distributors from commodity Atlantic salmon supply. Targeted at chefs and premium retailers seeking sashimi-grade salmon.
- Japanese Fish Imports Japan-sourced sushi-grade fish (some of the highest quality sushi grade fish in the world), distributed to U.S. distributors for sushi and sashimi programs.
- Tuna and Other Pelagics Fresh pelagic program covering tuna and other open-ocean species, supported by innovative sourcing, high-touch operational efficiency, and best-in-class fresh logistics to deliver one of the most varied and consistently high-quality fresh pelagic programs in North America.
- Yellowtail / Haku Hiramasa Ultra-premium yellowtail led by Haku Hiramasa, farmed in Ruakaka New Zealand using RAS with direct ocean water flow, Monterey Bay Aquarium Green 'Best Choice' rated, with no antibiotics, GMOs, hormones, or artificial coloring in feed.
- Premium White Fish Curated selection of premium white fish including turbot, sole, bass varieties, and bream from wild fisheries and farms, designed to deliver versatility in application and price point with year-round supply via easy substitutions; headlined by Prodemar (Stolt Sea Farm) turbot and sole and Kefalonia Sea Bass.
- Shellfish Program Impressive selection of live, fresh, and frozen premium shellfish spanning year-round offerings such as live Cockles and Mussels from cold waters and seasonal best-in-class items including Coromandel Oysters, Uni, and Scallops, plus Australian rock lobster and spanner crab.
- Caviar / Roe Program Caviar program focused on vertically integrated, traceable producers featuring exclusive U.S. distribution of Calvisius Caviar (Italian pure sturgeon breeds with BRC facility certification and Friend of the Sea sustainable farming) and Yarra Valley Caviar (100% Australian Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout Caviar); packed in New Jersey per order from 1.8kg original tins with next-day delivery.
- Octopus Program Octopus program headlined by Fremantle Octopus Tentacles, harvested ike jime-style with snap-freezing using a patented trigger trap technique that eliminates bycatch and prevents ghost fishing; available as Raw, Sous Vide, and Marinated tentacles.
Quantifiable outcome
- Fish caught in New Zealand waters yesterday can be at customer locations tomorrow
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Lee Fish USA
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Lee Fish USA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Lee Fish USA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Lee Fish NZ (Leigh Fisheries New Zealand)coreLee Fish USA was established in 2001 as the North American marketing arm of internationally acclaimed Lee Fisheries New Zealand (spelled Leigh within New Zealand). This parent-subsidiary relationship provides Lee Fish USA with preferential access to New Zealand's highest quality wild-catch seafood, including Ike Jime processed fish from longline dayboats operating from Leigh. Lee Fish USA receives more New Zealand inbounds than competitors due to this direct connection.
- Ora King Salmon (New Zealand King Salmon Company)coreExclusive distribution of Ora King Salmon, a unique breed of New Zealand King known for unrivaled quality and sustainability, revered by Michelin star chefs globally. Widely considered the best salmon on the market, commonly referred to as the 'Wagyu of the Sea' for its succulence and striking marbled fat lines.
- Calvisius CaviarcoreExclusive U.S. distribution of Calvisius Caviar, the gold standard in aquaculture specializing in raising pure sturgeon breeds in northern Italy. Lee Fish USA distributes Calvisius Caviar packed in New Jersey per order from 1.8kg original tins with next-day delivery.
- Fremantle OctopuscoreExclusive distribution of Fremantle Octopus Tentacles, driving force behind Australia's most commercially successful octopus fishery. Features patented trigger trap technique eliminating bycatch and preventing ghost fishing. Products include Raw Tentacles, Sous Vide Tentacles, and Marinated Tentacles.
- Glacier 51 ToothfishcoreExclusive distribution of Glacier 51 Toothfish, luxury Chilean seabass brand featured on world's top restaurant menus. Wild caught in deep sub-Antarctic waters off Australia's Heard Island. World's first carbon neutral seafood. Monterey Bay Aquarium 'Best Choice' rating.
- Regal Salmon (New Zealand King Salmon Company)majorExclusive distribution of Regal King Salmon, a premium brand under the New Zealand King Salmon Company (which also supplies Ora King). Farmed in Marlborough Sounds, graded just below Ora King with unique taste qualities, bright marbled flesh and rich, buttery mouth feel.
- Haku HiramasamajorExclusive distribution of Haku Hiramasa, an ultra-premium yellowtail farmed in Ruakaka, New Zealand using RAS with direct ocean water flow. Monterey Bay Aquarium Green 'Best Choice'. No antibiotics, GMOs, hormones or artificial coloring used in feed.
- Kefalonia Sea BassmajorExclusive distribution of Kefalonia Sea Bass, farm-raised in open-ocean net pens off Kefalonia island in Greece. The last family-owned farm of its kind, blending traditional methods with modern technology. Award-winning for delicate, slightly sweet flavor and firm, flaky texture.
- Aquna Murray CodmajorExclusive distribution of Aquna Murray Cod, an iconic native Australian freshwater fish sustainably raised in Murray-Darling Basin. Land-based freshwater aquaculture with full traceability, fish welfare, and low environmental footprint. Brand name comes from Aboriginal word meaning 'the way forward' and 'flowing water'.
- Petuna (Ocean Trout)majorExclusive distribution of Petuna Ocean Trout, farmed off the remote West coast of Tasmania. Award-winning Atlantic salmon and best-in-class ocean trout. Trademarked 'The Wagyu of the Sea' with intense color, purity of flavor, and creamy succulent texture. Marine sites stocked at lower densities than international standards.
- Yarra Valley CaviarmajorExclusive distribution of Yarra Valley Caviar, premiere producer of 100% Australian Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout Caviar. World-class sustainable growing techniques and ethical fish husbandry. Fish are hand-milked for roe once per year with products packaged on site without additives.
- Jade Tiger AbalonemajorExclusive distribution of Jade Tiger Abalone, world's only producer of this unique species and world's first ASC certified abalone farm. Farmed in Great Southern Ocean's cold, oxygenated, nutrient rich waters. Full integrated cultivation, processing, and production ensuring 100% traceability.
- Fraser Isle Spanner CrabminorPremier exporter of Kona (Spanner) crab from Fraser Island (K'gari), World Heritage-listed sand island in Queensland, Australia. First truly sustainable crab fishery in Australia. Known for super sweet meat, high-value yet cost-effective alternative to Dungeness. Non-invasive flat net harvesting with zero bycatch.
- Ferguson AustraliaminorLeading Australian producer and manufacturer of Southern Rock Lobster and variety of Australian seafood. Friend of the Sea certified. Southern Rock Lobster is their specialty with sweet, delicate but firm white flesh. Found in premium retailers and online retailers.
- Skull Island PrawnsminorPremium brand offering sustainably sourced Australian Tiger prawns from pristine waters surrounding Skull Island in Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Australia. Australia's biggest prawns measuring 26cm in length and up to 100g in weight. Frozen fresh within 45 minutes of catch.
- Prodemar (Stolt Sea Farm)majorMain turbot and sole brand of Stolt Sea Farm, international leader in fish-farming. Farmed in Spain using land-based Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) methods. Prodemar fresh turbot received Superior Taste Award in both 2023 and 2024 from International Taste Institute with three-star rating.
- Blue Reef Coral TroutminorWorld's largest supplier of wild Australian coral trout. Fish caught on single hook handlines, brought aboard live, stored in pristine reef water tanks before being sold live or as premium whole ike jime fresh fish. Ultra premium soft pearly flesh with sweet shellfish flavor ideal for sushi and crudo.
- Opal BarramundiminorPremium Australian saltwater fish prized for clean flavor, beautiful opalescent flesh, and high yield. Saltwater farmed via wetlands reticulation in Australia's Northern Territory. Artisanally raised using natural wetland filtration system protecting surrounding ecosystem.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Lee Fish USA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Inland Seafood: Atlanta-headquartered specialty seafood wholesaler with sustainability focus, serving restaurants across the Southeast and beyond. Comparable in B2B wholesale model and curated portfolio of premium fresh and frozen seafood.
- Fortune Fish & Gourmet: Midwest-based premium seafood and specialty foods distributor serving restaurants and retailers nationwide. Overlapping customer segments (upscale restaurants, sushi bars) and similar specialty/protein focus.
- True World Foods: Largest Japanese and premium seafood wholesaler in North America, distributing sashimi-grade fish to sushi bars and fine-dining restaurants. Directly comparable in product mix (sashimi tuna, hamachi, salmon), B2B wholesale model, and reliance on imported premium supply.
- Seattle Fish Company: Multi-regional premium wholesale seafood distributor serving chefs and restaurants across the Western US. Comparable in sourcing from sustainable fisheries, B2B distribution, and focus on traceability and quality differentiation.
- Browne Trading Company: Maine-based premium seafood and specialty foods wholesaler focused on sustainable, traceable seafood for chefs and retailers nationwide. Comparable position as a relationship-driven, quality-focused importer/distributor.
- Samuels & Son Seafood: Family-owned Philadelphia-based wholesale seafood distributor emphasizing sustainable, traceable, premium product for fine-dining chefs. Directly comparable sourcing/procurement story and restaurant customer base.
Emerging players
- Fulton Fish Market: NYC-based wholesale seafood distributor with online ordering serving chefs and the public. Comparable in seafood distribution but rooted in the Northeast market and with a broader fresh-and-frozen mix rather than imported sashimi-grade premium.
Broad incumbents
- Pacific Seafood: One of the largest vertically integrated seafood companies in North America, with processing, wholesale, and retail operations. Overlaps with Lee Fish USA in distributing premium seafood to restaurants, though at vastly greater scale and with own-processing depth.
- High Liner Foods: Publicly traded North American seafood company specializing in value-added frozen seafood (prepared, breaded, coated) for retail and foodservice. Adjacent in seafood distribution but focuses on frozen/commodity categories rather than fresh sashimi-grade premium.
- Sysco Corporation: Largest US broadline foodservice distributor with an extensive seafood category supplying restaurants nationwide. Indirectly comparable as a B2B restaurant supplier, though seafood is one of many categories and lacks Lee Fish's premium/sashimi specialization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Lee Fish USA social profiles
Digital presenceLee Fish USA compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance12 records
Lee Fish USA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lee Fish USA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Lee Fish USA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lee Fish USA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lee Fish USA
What does Lee Fish USA do?
Lee Fish USA is a B2B wholesale importer and distributor of premium sashimi-grade seafood, supplying distributors throughout the United States across nine product categories (NZ Wild Ike Jime Fish, Japanese Fish, Tuna & Other Pelagics, Yellowtail, Premium White Fish, Premium Salmon, Shellfish, Caviar/Roe, and Octopus). The company holds exclusive U.S. distribution rights for 18+ globally recognized farmed and wild-capture seafood brands, including Ora King Salmon, Calvisius Caviar, Fremantle Octopus, and Glacier 51 Toothfish. Revenue is generated through product sales on a quote-based, credit-approved basis to wholesale distributors who then supply high-end restaurants, sushi bars, and premium retailers.
Is Lee Fish USA a public or private company?
Lee Fish USA is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Lee Fish USA founded?
Lee Fish USA was founded in 2001. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Lee Fish USA based?
Lee Fish USA is headquartered in El Segundo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Lee Fish USA make money?
One revenue line is on record: wholesale Seafood Distribution.
Who are Lee Fish USA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Inland Seafood, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, True World Foods, Seattle Fish Company, Browne Trading Company and Samuels & Son Seafood. Fulton Fish Market is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Pacific Seafood, High Liner Foods and Sysco Corporation.
Does Lee Fish USA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lee Fish USA.
What industry is Lee Fish USA in?
Lee Fish USA's product category is Premium Seafood Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAIADAD, Seafood Wholesale (Fresh & Frozen), with a secondary code of AFANALAI, Sushi/Sashimi-Grade & Raw Ready-to-Serve Seafood (Including Poke). Its NAICS code is 42446 and its SIC code is 5140.